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Pani Gold Mine Distributes 43 Qurbani Cattle in Pohuwato and Gorontalo

In Gorontalo Province, Pani Gold Mine distributed 43 qurbani cattle to villages and stakeholders across Pohuwato Regency and Gorontalo City. Distribution was carried out in stages, beginning in Gorontalo City on May 23, 2026, followed by deliveries on May 25 and 26 to the villages of Hulawa, Karya Indah, North Taluduyunu, Taluduyunu, North Buntulia, Central Buntulia, Sipatana, Teratai, and Bulangita in Pohuwato Regency.

“Eid al-Adha reminds us of the values of sincerity, compassion, and sharing,” said Mahesha Lugiana, CSR Manager of Pani Gold Mine. “Through this qurbani program, we hope to strengthen harmonious relationships with local communities and governments while creating shared benefits.”

Before distribution, all animals underwent health inspections conducted by veterinary experts to ensure they were healthy, disease-free, and met Islamic requirements.

“We would like to thank Pani Gold Mine,” said Sjamsuddin Hadju, Head of Conservation Section II Gorontalo at the North Sulawesi Natural Resources Conservation Agency, during the symbolic handover ceremony. “We hope this contribution will benefit the community.”

Similar appreciation was expressed by Buntulia Subdistrict Head Syaiful Bahri M. Hunta, S.Pd., M.M., who witnessed the distribution in his area. “On behalf of the people of Buntulia, I would like to thank the company for generously donating qurbani cattle for seven villages in our subdistrict,” he said. “We pray that all company activities continue to run smoothly and successfully.”

“We would also like to thank Pani Gold Mine for providing four cattle for the Eid celebration,” said Rachmat Buluati, Vice Chairman of KUD Dharma Tani. “We will distribute them to those in need, and we hope they bring benefits to the community.”

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BKP-BTR’s Qurbani Program Reaches Wetar, Tiakur, and Ambon

In Maluku, PT Batutua Kharisma Permai and PT Batutua Tembaga Raya (BKP-BTR) distributed 13 cattle and four goats to communities on Wetar Island, in Tiakur, and in Ambon City. Distribution took place on May 27, 2026, with support from the company, contractors, employees, and management.

The Eid celebration began with prayers attended by employees and contractors at the mine site, followed by the handover of qurbani animals to Muslim communities in two villages. Residents of Lurang Village in North Wetar District received five cattle and three goats, while Ilwaki Village in South Wetar District received two cattle and one goat. The handover was conducted by BKP-BTR Acting Mine Manager Rudi Prabowo.

“Occasions such as Eid al-Adha are a tangible expression of our commitment and care for local communities,” said Rudi. According to him, the company’s presence is closely connected to the lives of nearby communities, including residents of Kampung Baru Hamlet, Lurang Village, and Uhak Village surrounding the mining area.

In addition to Wetar, BKP-BTR distributed six qurbani cattle in Ambon. Three cattle were donated to Al Ikhwan Mosque in the Kebun Cengkeh area by Carlos L.Q. Pattiselanno, BKP-BTR External Affairs Manager. Two cattle were donated to Mujiburahman Mosque in Batumerah by Jimmy Bob Suroto, BKP-BTR General Manager of Operations. One additional cow was distributed to Tiakur through Nurul Iman Kalwedo Mosque.

“On behalf of the management team and myself, I wish everyone a blessed Eid al-Adha,” said Jimmy. “May the spirit of sacrifice, sincerity, and compassion inspire us to continue working safely, collaboratively, and with blessings.”

According to Nurbaya Masang, administrator of Miftahul Khoir Mosque, BKP-BTR’s qurbani contribution holds significant value for the local Muslim community. “We sincerely appreciate BKP-BTR’s support,” said Nurbaya. “May it bring blessings to both the company and the surrounding communities.”

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BSI Distributes 72 Qurbani Animals in Banyuwangi

In Banyuwangi, PT Bumi Suksesindo (BSI) began distributing qurbani animals through mosque and prayer hall committees on May 26, 2026. The assistance consisted of 27 cattle and 45 goats.

According to BSI Community Development Supervisor Syahrul Wahidah, the program also involved partner companies and contractors. The animals were purchased from local traders and livestock farmers around the operation, ensuring that Eid al-Adha not only became a moment of sharing but also contributed to local economic activity.

According to Syahrul, distribution through mosque and prayer hall committees is expected to strengthen community institutions. “This aligns with our commitment to implementing social programs that support community development and empowerment,” he said.

BSI General Manager of Operations and Head of Mining Engineering, Roelly Fransza, noted that the values of Eid al-Adha—sincerity, sacrifice, and compassion—are equally relevant in the workplace.

“Amid various operational challenges, we hope the spirit of togetherness and mutual care continues to grow in our workplace,” said Roelly. “Success is built not only through achievements, but also through our willingness to support and respect one another.”

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to BSI,” said Sampurno, a representative of Al-Ikhlas Prayer Hall in Pancer Hamlet, Sumberagung Village, Pesanggaran District. “May the company’s operations continue to run smoothly.”

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SCM Distributes 54 Qurbani Animals in Southeast and Central Sulawesi

In Southeast Sulawesi and Central Sulawesi, PT Sulawesi Cahaya Mineral (SCM), together with its partners and contractors, distributed 40 cattle and 14 goats during this year’s Eid al-Adha celebration.

Distribution began one week before the holiday, starting in Routa District, Konawe Regency, and continuing to North Konawe Regency and Morowali Regency in Central Sulawesi. In addition to communities surrounding the mining operation, qurbani animals were also donated to the Konawe Police, Southeast Sulawesi Regional Police, Military District Command 1417/Kendari, and the Konawe Regency Government. At the Konawe Regent’s Office, the donation was received by Konawe Regional Secretary Ferdinand on May 25, 2026.

“This qurbani program is part of the company’s community empowerment initiatives, which deserve our full support,” said Ferdinand. “Moreover, the livestock distributed through this program were sourced from local farmers in Konawe Regency, creating additional economic benefits for the region.”

In Routa District, 11 cattle and 11 goats were handed over to village heads, urban village leaders, and district representatives from SCM’s surrounding communities.

“We appreciate the distribution of qurbani animals in Routa,” said Routa District Head Soefyan Meronda. “We hope this initiative will help maintain the harmonious relationship that has been built over the years between the company and surrounding communities.”

“The qurbani distribution, particularly in Lalomerui Village, demonstrates that SCM has become an integral part of Routa’s development,” said Lalomerui Village Head Taksir Unggahi. “We hope it can serve as a positive example of company-community relations in the future.”

Qurbani distribution has become an annual tradition since SCM began operating in Wonua Routa. This year, the program is expected to benefit approximately 4,500 residents across several villages in the Routa area.

“We view Eid al-Adha as an opportunity to strengthen our relationship with communities surrounding our operations,” said SCM Mine Manager Didik Fotunadi. “Through this program, we hope SCM’s presence can be felt not only through mining activities, but also through moments of togetherness and shared social and religious values, helping sustain social solidarity and harmonious relationships between the company and local communities.”

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MTI and the Self-Reliant Qurbani Initiative of Makarti Village-Owned Enterprise

In Morowali, PT Merdeka Tsingshan Indonesia (MTI) distributed two qurbani cattle to Makarti Village and Labota Village on May 26, 2026. The initiative was part of MTI’s Corporate Social and Environmental Responsibility (CSER) program under its social and cultural pillar, aimed at strengthening relationships with local communities during a significant religious occasion.

In addition to donating two qurbani cattle, this year’s Eid al-Adha also marked a new milestone for Makarti Village-Owned Enterprise (BUMDes Makarti), which was able to independently carry out its own qurbani program through proceeds generated from MTI-supported agricultural businesses. The two cattle sacrificed by the BUMDes were funded by income from these agricultural ventures, which have become one of the suppliers of food ingredients for ADEN catering services within MTI’s operational area.

For MTI, the ability of Makarti BUMDes to independently conduct qurbani demonstrates how community empowerment programs can generate sustainable economic benefits for partner villages.

“Eid al-Adha is not only about sharing qurbani animals but also about fostering togetherness and compassion,” said Novaludin of MTI Community Relations. “We are grateful that MTI’s empowerment programs with local communities continue to grow and create tangible benefits, as reflected in Makarti BUMDes’s ability to independently conduct qurbani this year.”

For Kail, Chairman of Makarti BUMDes, the independent qurbani initiative represents a significant achievement.

“We are proud because the collaboration and guidance provided over the years have delivered real benefits to the community,” he said. “We hope programs like this continue and grow even further.”

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Across Merdeka Group’s operational areas, the celebration of Eid al-Adha 1447 Hijri served as an opportunity to strengthen relationships between the company and local communities. Through the distribution of qurbani animals, support for local livestock farmers, and community empowerment initiatives, Merdeka Group hopes to foster the values of compassion, togetherness, and mutual cooperation while growing alongside the communities surrounding its operations.

Main photo: Distribution of qurbani animals by MGR. 

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Guided by the spirit of Harmony and Sustainability with Community, MTI remains committed to fostering a conducive and harmonious social environment through partnership-based collaboration with stakeholders. This commitment is reflected in various social programs designed to support the company’s growth while aligning with regulations and the needs of communities surrounding its operational areas.

Previously, the operator of the AIM (Acid, Iron, Metal) Plant, part of the Merdeka Group, had also received various CSR awards. At the CSR & PDB Awards 2024, MTI won a Silver award in the SDGs-Based CSR Program category for Village SDG No. 2: Zero Hunger, as well as a Gold award in the Individual Program – Institutional Practitioner category. At the TOP CSR Awards 2025, MTI received the same two award categories it achieved again in 2026.

“I dedicate this highest appreciation to all MTI employees for their extraordinary hard work and perseverance,” said Diaz Vatriando, President Director of MTI. “It is a source of pride for the company to maintain this recognition for two consecutive years—a testament to our strong commitment to delivering meaningful contributions to society.”

One of MTI’s flagship programs is BUMILOKA (Village-Owned Enterprise Driving the Local Economy) in Makarti Jaya Village. Through collaboration with the village government, village-owned enterprises (BUMDes), and local communities, the BUMILOKA program has successfully increased BUMDes revenue, created new job opportunities for residents and farmers, and improved the absorption of local agricultural products. BUMDes revenue grew from IDR 524.9 million at the end of 2024 to IDR 2.314 billion throughout 2025. A year later, in January 2026 alone, BUMDes revenue had already reached IDR 850 million.

The growth in BUMDes income over the past three years has also enabled the implementation of various village initiatives, ranging from social and religious activities to programs such as the Bahodopi District Quran recitation competition held in Makarti Jaya Village, waste transportation services, and support for the maintenance and operation of the village waterfall tourism site.

The achievements of MTI’s CSR programs over the years were also greatly influenced by the contributions of Haikal, MTI CSR Supervisor, who passed away in early May 2026, leaving deep sorrow within the MTI family.

“In particular, I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation for the tremendous dedication of the late Mr. Haikal in making this program a success,” Diaz added.

During his lifetime, Haikal was known as a friendly, hardworking, dedicated, and responsible individual who maintained strong relationships with colleagues and local residents, alongside his deep concern for community development. His presence among colleagues will always be remembered by the MTI family, and his dedication will continue to inspire the entire MTI CSR team to pursue the best possible programs for the community.

Main photo: Diaz Vatriando, President Director of MTI (center), receives the TOP Leader on CSR Commitment 2026 award.

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However, since early April 2026, road improvement works have started in the area. While the construction temporarily slowed traffic, it also marked the beginning of a long-awaited improvement for local residents.

Gradually, PT Merdeka Tsingshan Indonesia (MTI), which operates the AIM (Acid, Iron, Metal) Plant at Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP), began upgrading the village road access through the JALU Desa (Smooth Roads for Villages) program. The initiative is part of the company’s commitment to supporting development and improving the quality of life for communities surrounding its operational area.

The road improvement project began on April 1, 2026, and lasted for two weeks, covering a 275-meter village road with a width of 6 meters. The damaged dirt road was replaced with 20-centimeter-thick concrete pavement. On April 24–25, 2026, drainage improvement works were also carried out. Water channels were reorganized, drainage lines cleaned, crossing drainage pipes installed, and trash filters placed at strategic points. These efforts were aimed at reducing the risk of flooding and improving the road’s durability.

The program is part of MTI’s Social and Environmental Responsibility (SER) implementation and was carried out collaboratively with village governments, community leaders, youth groups, PT Global Arrow, PT Merdeka Mining Service (MMS), subcontractors, and CV Morowali Jaya Mandiri. The project began with field surveys and coordination with various stakeholders to ensure the program would deliver targeted and long-term benefits to the community.

Novaludin, MTI Community Relation Officer, stated that village infrastructure development is one of the company’s priorities in creating sustainable social impact. “We believe infrastructure development is not only about building roads, but also about opening access to economic opportunities, education, healthcare, and improving people’s quality of life. Through the JALU Desa program, MTI wants to grow together with the community,” he said.

“This program reflects real synergy between the company, village government, and the community in supporting regional development together,” said Khairul Anam, Secretary of Makarti Jaya Village.

Irwansyah, a local vegetable seller near the road improvement site, also expressed appreciation for MTI’s support for village infrastructure development. “After the road was repaired, traffic became smoother and more customers started coming,” he said.

This road improvement project continues MTI’s previous construction of a 420-meter village road in 2025, aimed at improving accessibility for communities around the company’s operational area. Better road infrastructure is expected to further support local social and economic activities.

In addition, the JALU Desa program contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 9 on Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure and Goal 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities. Moving forward, MTI will continue to promote adaptive, participatory, and sustainable community empowerment programs through collaboration with various stakeholders to deliver meaningful benefits for communities around its operational area.

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Indonesia Miner 2026 was held on 5–7 May 2026 at The Westin Jakarta under the theme “Mining with Meaning: Driving Progress through Responsibility and Intelligence”. Attended by more than 1,800 international delegates, the event became one of Indonesia’s largest mining forums. Discussions covered a wide range of topics, including critical minerals, energy transition, mine project development, and the use of technology to support operational efficiency and sustainability.

The forum also served as a platform for exchanging ideas on the challenges and transformation of the global mining industry, including the adoption of technology and the development of sustainable projects.

Representing PT Merdeka Gold Resources Tbk, part of Merdeka Group, Project Development Senior Manager Zulfallah spoke in the “Fireside Chat: Pani Heap Leach Project” session alongside Metso. During the session, he shared updates on the Pani Gold Mine in Gorontalo, which is being developed as one of the largest primary gold mines in Indonesia and the Asia-Pacific region.

“We have completed the construction and commissioning of the main heap leach facilities, including supporting infrastructure such as mine roads, port facilities, and processing plants,” said Zulfallah. “The heap leach operation is now running and serves as the foundation for the next stage of development.”

He explained that the Pani heap leach facility was designed with an initial processing capacity of 8 million tonnes of ore per year, with further expansions planned in stages. In the next phase, Pani is also developing a Carbon-in-Leach (CIL) facility targeted to begin operations in 2028. “The CIL development is a strategic step to improve gold recovery and increase Pani’s long-term production capacity,” he said.

During the discussion, Zulfallah also highlighted the importance of technical collaboration with technology partners to ensure an optimal commissioning process. According to him, continuous technical support is essential to maintaining the project’s operational reliability.

“In the gold mining industry, reliability is not only a technical matter, but also closely linked to production sustainability and operational efficiency,” said Zulfallah. “That is why we select technologies and OEM [Original Equipment Manufacturer] support with strong reputations.”

In addition to gold mine development, Merdeka Group also highlighted digital transformation in mineral exploration through a presentation by Diki Nurul Huda, GIS (Geographic Information System) Technical Analyst at PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk. In the session “Empowering Mineral Exploration with Open-Source GIS: A Practical Workflow for Data Integration and Target Mapping”, Diki said that data complexity continues to grow alongside the expansion of exploration and mining operations.

“Almost all activities in the mining industry are location-based. Therefore, GIS plays an important role in ensuring data can be integrated, visualized, and used to support faster and more accurate decision-making,” said Diki.

Diki explained that Merdeka has developed the M-GIS platform, an open-source GIS-based system integrating QGIS, PostGIS, GeoServer, and Margin Maps to support real-time exploration data management.

The platform is currently used for various operational needs, ranging from regional mapping and drilling monitoring to grade control across Merdeka Group’s mining operations. “The open-source approach provides greater flexibility in workflow development and data integration. The system also helps improve cross-site collaboration and reduce dependence on manual processes,” Diki added.

Through its participation in Indonesia Miner 2026, Merdeka Group continues to support the development of a more integrated, adaptive, and innovation-driven mining industry. The presentations from both speakers demonstrated how the transformation of the mining industry is shaped not only by production capacity, but also by the ability to manage technology, data, and collaboration effectively.

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The improvement of the terminal in Pesanggaran District, Banyuwangi, East Java, was supported by PT Bumi Suksesindo (BSI), a subsidiary of PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk, through its Community Development and Empowerment Program (PPM). As the operator of the gold mine at Tumpang Pitu Mountain in Sumberagung Village, BSI continues to deliver tangible benefits to communities surrounding its operations, particularly in Pesanggaran.

The paving works at Sarongan Village Terminal cover an area of 1,400 square meters. The project was managed by the Sarongan Village Government and involved local residents as part of the workforce, providing additional income for the community during the construction period.

Sarongan Village Head, Gunoto, expressed his appreciation for BSI’s contribution. “This PPM program is clear evidence of synergy between the private sector, namely PT Bumi Suksesindo, and the village government in improving public facilities,” said Gunoto on April 8, 2026. “The comfort and safety of terminal users have significantly improved.”

The paving of Sarongan Village Terminal was completed on April 24, 2026. With a more organized condition, activities at the terminal are now more comfortable. The terminal has long served as a key hub for community mobility, including the operation of Damri Pioneer buses on the Sarongan–Banyuwangi City route, as well as logistics vehicles supplying essential goods.

Head of Krajan Hamlet, Suyono, also appreciated the outcome of the project. “The quality of the work is very good—neat and well executed. It is now much more comfortable for daily community activities,” said Suyono on April 27, 2026. “The impact is already being felt. Activities at the terminal are running more smoothly. Both passengers and traders can carry out their activities more comfortably here. And it will certainly help improve local economic circulation going forward.”

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The program was launched on 1 April 2026 at the Lalomerui Village Office. During the launch, which also marked its first service day, more than 60 residents attended to receive medical check-ups. The team consists of one doctor and two nurses, supported by a dedicated ambulance unit.

Services began with registration and initial screening by nurses, followed by consultations with the doctor. The clinic provides general health check-ups and treatment for minor illnesses. For many residents, the service is highly beneficial, considering they would otherwise need to travel up to two hours to reach the nearest public health center.

“We are greatly helped by this service,” said Ita Purnamasari, a resident of Lalomerui Village. “We hope these free health check-ups can continue to reach communities around the mining area.”

“This free healthcare service will greatly help maintain public health,” said Lalomerui Village Head, Taksir Unggahi. “It complements existing services that are located quite far from our village.”

The service also reached residents living on the outskirts of the village, including those in a nearby palm oil company housing area. They were transported by SCM’s Community Affairs team, as the village office remains relatively far from their homes.

Representing the Routa Sub-district Head, Syamsuri, a staff member of the Routa administration, expressed appreciation during the launch. “We fully appreciate this program,” he said. “Going forward, we hope SCM can continue to enhance its implementation.”

Since its launch, the service has reached several villages, including Puuwiwirano, Tanggola, Walandawe, and Pondoa in Wiwirano District, North Konawe Regency. The clinic operates daily from 08:00 to around 14:00 local time, depending on the number of patients.

This program is part of SCM’s Community Development and Empowerment Program (PPM) in the health sector. SCM is a subsidiary of PT Merdeka Battery Materials Tbk, part of the PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk group.

Through this free mobile healthcare service, SCM strengthens access to essential health services in a way that is closer, more regular, and sustainable for communities around its Routa operations.

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The series began in Lalomerui Village, the closest to SCM’s mining site, and marked an important milestone with the inauguration of the newly renovated Al-Qautsar Mosque, fully supported by SCM.

“With the completion of this renovation, we hope the community can perform their worship more comfortably,” said Lalomerui Village Head, Taksir Unggahi.

The Ramadan Safari also fostered warm interactions, including through the “Anak Saleh” educational quiz. Children participated enthusiastically, offering candid answers that often drew laughter. Mothers accompanying them were occasionally invited to join as well.

As part of the program, SCM’s Community Affairs team and contractor partners distributed more than 350 Ramadan care packages to underprivileged households. These were symbolically handed over to village authorities for distribution.

“Through the Ramadan Safari and these donations, SCM hopes to further strengthen community ties,” said SCM Head of Mining Engineering, Didik Fotunadi. “Direct engagement and positive interactions form the foundation of a harmonious relationship between the company and the community.”
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Engaging Youth in Morowali
A similar sense of togetherness was seen in Morowali, Central Sulawesi. Here, PT Merdeka Tsingshan Indonesia (MTI) held Ramadan Safari events on February 27, 2026, at Babussalam Mosque in Makarti Jaya Village, and on February 28 at Ar-Rahman Mosque in Labota Village. Activities began before iftar with religious sermons, followed by communal breaking of the fast and prayers.

Beyond religious observances, MTI’s Ramadan Safari created space for youth engagement. In collaboration with Makarti Jaya Village-Owned Enterprise (BUMDes), the company organized religious competitions involving students from ten local Qur’anic learning centers. Events ranged from archery and short surah memorization to young preacher contests, adhan, quiz competitions, and Ramadan vlogging. These activities encouraged both religious understanding and creativity among village youth.

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Ramadan Fair at Tujuh Bukit
In Banyuwangi, East Java, PT Bumi Suksesindo (BSI) introduced a different approach through Ramadan Fair 2026, involving 56 students from seven high schools in Pesanggaran and Siliragung districts.

Held every weekend since February 27, 2026, the program combined Islamic boarding-style activities with educational sessions. Days were filled with communal worship, followed by tarawih prayers and Qur’an recitation in the evenings. Participants also explored topics relevant to youth, such as the risks of early marriage and drug abuse.

They also received social media content training and joined a mine tour at the Tujuh Bukit Gold Mine.

“Mining is something we usually only see from the outside. Now I can see it firsthand,” said Raya, a participant from SMK PGRI Pesanggaran.

As part of the program, BSI held “Bumi Suksesindo Bersholawat” on March 7, 2026, at Tujuh Bukit Futsal Stadium, attended by hundreds of employees and student participants. The event also included donations to local orphans.

A dedicated session for female employees, titled “Resilient Women Welcoming Ramadan,” focused on practical topics such as emotional awareness and mental resilience in a demanding work environment.

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Extended Safari and Ramadan Market in Pohuwato
In Gorontalo Province, the Pani Gold Mine conducted an extensive Ramadan Safari from February 23 to March 19, 2026. A total of 29 events were held across villages and hamlets, in collaboration with mosque committees and involving multiple company departments.

Each visit included iftar gatherings, religious talks, and congregational prayers, reaching areas such as Hulawa, Taluduyunu, Buntulia, Bulangita, and Palopo. Activities were also regularly held at Baiturrahim Grand Mosque, including a large iftar event at Pohuwato Grand Mosque attended by local government and the public. Cooking oil was distributed at each event as direct support to residents.

“We are impressed by the community’s enthusiasm. Their warm responds gives positive energy to the company,” said Mahesha Lugiana, CSR Manager of Pani Gold Mine.

The program concluded with a Ramadan Market held in Buntulia and Marisa districts. Hundreds of residents accessed subsidized staple packages—worth Rp200,000 but redeemable at Rp50,000—to help meet household needs ahead of Eid. The initiative also reached traditional miners in collaboration with Pohuwato Police.

Through the combination of Ramadan Safari and the Ramadan Market, Pani Gold Mine delivered both social engagement and tangible economic support to surrounding communities.

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Ramadan activities across Merdeka Group’s mining areas may vary, but all are tailored to local needs and cultural contexts. Through sustained interaction and engagement, Ramadan Safari goes beyond religious observance. It creates shared spaces that strengthen communication and trust between the company and the communities it operates in.

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The agreement is valid for two years with a total transaction volume of 3 metric tons (nearly 100,000 ounces of gold per year), with an option to increase by up to 3 additional metric tons per year. Under this partnership, BSI and PETS act as the sellers, while ANTAM serves as the buyer of domestically refined gold granules.

The gold production covered under this agreement comes from two of Merdeka Group’s key operations: the Tujuh Bukit Gold Mine in Banyuwangi, East Java, operated since 2017 by BSI, and the Pani Gold Mine in Pohuwato, Gorontalo, operated in part by PETS.

The Pani Gold Mine is the Group’s newest operation. The mine commenced first mining in October 2025 and successfully achieved its first gold pour on 14 February 2026 through the heap leach process. On 27 February 2026, the mine also delivered 44.04 kilograms of dore bullion to ANTAM for its first refining process. The first sale of refined gold under the GSPA is targeted to take place before the end of March 2026.

President Director of PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk, Albert Saputro, stated that the partnership represents a strategic step to ensure domestic absorption of the Group’s gold production while strengthening the integration of Indonesia’s gold industry supply chain. “With a growing production base from the Tujuh Bukit and Pani gold mines, we need a stable and measurable offtake structure. This GSPA provides certainty for production offtake while reinforcing our contribution to the domestic gold industry,” said Albert.

ANTAM Commercial Director Handi Sutanto added that the partnership reflects stronger national gold sovereignty, where Indonesia’s mined resources are refined into pure gold products accessible to the public. ANTAM’s gold bar products are accredited by the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA). Through this collaboration, the integration of Indonesia’s gold supply chain is expected to become even stronger.

Going forward, with an increasingly solid production base from the Tujuh Bukit and Pani gold mines and the support of strategic partnerships, Merdeka Group remains optimistic about further increasing its contribution to Indonesia’s gold industry.

Main photo: Representatives of MDKA, EMAS, and ANTAM during the agreement signing on 4 March 2026.

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Two subsidiaries of PT Merdeka Gold Resources Tbk that operate Pani Gold Mine received awards in the large company category: PT Gorontalo Sejahtera Mining (GSM) for achieving 7,666,280 person-hours without a lost time injury, and PT Puncak Emas Tani Sejahtera (PETS) for achieving 2,166,209 person-hours without a lost time injury.

The award was presented by the Governor of Gorontalo Province in recognition of the companies’ achievement in recording zero lost time injuries (LTI), in accordance with Minister of Manpower Regulation No. PER-01/MEN/I/2007. This milestone demonstrates that the consistent implementation of OHS management systems can create a safe, healthy, and productive workplace.

The award was received by Sasongko Heru Nugroho, Head of Mine Technical PETS, accompanied by Adi Firdaus, HR Manager of Pani Gold Mine. “Everyone Safe, Always is our core operational value. This achievement reflects the collective efforts of all employees and partners in upholding safety standards,” said Sasongko. “We remain committed to maintaining and further strengthening OHS standards across all operations.”

Adi said that the achievement reflects strong collaboration in building a safety culture. “This award is not just about numbers, but about our consistency in ensuring every worker returns home safely each day,” said Adi. “We build our safety culture through continuous training, strict supervision, and active engagement of employees and partners.”

This recognition further Pani Gold Mine’s position as a mining operation that prioritizes safety alongside productivity and responsibility to its workforce.

Moving forward, the company will continue enhancing OHS training, operational supervision, and workforce competency to ensure safety remains the foundation as it advances toward full production.

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Mosehe Wonua is a sacred customary ritual of territorial purification practiced by the Tolaki people, one of the ethnic groups of Southeast Sulawesi. The ritual aims to cleanse the self and the land, reconcile conflicts, and ward off misfortune by seeking protection from the Creator so that the region may be spared from harm.

The procession began solemnly with the Pengangkatan Adat, or the formal declaration of the ritual’s intent. Led by the To-ono Mo-tuo, or customary elders, of the Tolaki Customary Council, the ceremony involved the Vice Regent of Konawe, Syamsul Ibrahim, as the respected elder figure. The presence of customary leaders alongside government officials symbolized the harmony between traditional order and formal governance. Also in attendance were representatives of the Konawe Regency DPRD, officials from the regency and Routa Subdistrict governments, and village heads from across Routa.

Following the declaration, the ritual continued with a collective prayer. All participants bowed their heads in reverence. Holding hands or gently touching each other’s shoulders, they prayed together, offering hopes for the safety and well-being of the entire Routa community. The ritual then proceeded with a water-sprinkling procession. Water that had been prayed over was sprinkled onto those present, symbolizing inner purification and the cooling of the soul for every resident of Routa.

The climax of the Mosehe Wonua ritual was marked by the sacrifice of a buffalo. The blood that was shed symbolized atonement and the rejection of misfortune. Through this offering, the community sought to release negative energies and replace them with gratitude for the abundance bestowed upon the land of Routa.

The event was attended not only by residents and government representatives, but also by the private sector. The Head of Mine Technical of PT Sulawesi Cahaya Mineral (SCM), Didik Fotunadi, along with representatives of SCM contractors, took part in the ritual with deep respect, underscoring that industry and tradition can coexist in harmony.

In his remarks, Vice Regent Syamsul Ibrahim emphasized the importance of maintaining harmony between the community and companies operating in the area. “Mosehe Wonua purifies ourselves and our land so that we are kept away from misfortune. This is the first time in Routa’s history that Mosehe Wonua has been held,” he said. “I hope this ritual becomes a momentum to strengthen bonds with local communities, especially in Routa. We must work together to develop this area into a miniature of the most beautiful town in Konawe and Southeast Sulawesi.”

Echoing this sentiment, Routa Urban Village Head Ahmad stated that the collaboration between residents and the company to revive this nearly extinct ritual was a major step toward unity. “This event is sacred and is being held for the first time in Routa. It serves as a forum to unite all Routa residents,” he said. “If disputes arise, we should sit together and involve customary institutions. In Routa, we have always prioritized customary resolution for the sake of peace.”

From the industry perspective, Didik Fotunadi reaffirmed SCM, a subsidiary of PT Merdeka Battery Materials Tbk (IDX: MBMA), commitment to contributing to communities around its mining operations through various economic and infrastructure development programs. “Our contribution to the Mosehe Wonua event reflects our commitment to respecting local wisdom and cultural traditions in the communities surrounding SCM’s mining area in Routa,” he said. “As a ‘neighbour’ in Routa, we also need a safe and conducive environment so that our operations can continue to deliver positive contributions to community welfare. SCM will continue to work in synergy with local government and the community.”

As the ritual concluded and all prayers had been offered, a profound hope lingered on the Lalomerui field: that economic progress would never erode the noble values passed down by Tolaki ancestors. Routa now stands not only spiritually cleansed, but also ready to embrace a more harmonious future.

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Artikel Mosehe Wonua Routa: Purifying the Heart and Preserving Tradition in the Land of Konawe pertama kali tampil pada PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk.